JAMES (JIM) RUSSELL PUGH

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JAMES (JIM) RUSSELL PUGH CAVU is an acronym used by aviators. It means Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited' ideal flying conditions. James Russell Pugh was an aviator. He flew the hottest fighters at the beginning of the Cold War; the trickiest helicopters; lumbering transports; and docile and unforgiving trainers 138 aircraft types in all during a 35 year military career and later as a civilian instructor. He investigated aircraft accidents in hopes of preventing the same events from happening to other pilots. He flew chilled organs across Canada in a jet for a life-saving transplant. He trained American helicopter pilots in Nap of the Earth flying techniques for survival in Vietnam. Out of the cockpit, Jim Pugh loved his family, camping, travelling (83 trips), socializing, building and flying model aircraft, and was extraordinarily well read and informed. He was a natural mechanic, from his first flame-spewing Model A to his beloved Cadillac every weekend he could be found in the garage with tools and a smile. He passed this knowledge on to his son, grandson, and son-in-law. Squadron Leader (Ret.) Pugh's final flight occurred on June 8, 2014, after a recurrence of debilitating cancer and almost two months in hospital. He died peacefully at 82 in his new Winnipeg home, attended by Helen, his wife of 58 years. Jim's memory lives on with his son Jeff; daughter Virginia; grandchildren Brennan, Charlsey, and Valerie; son-in-law Gerald; and former daughter-in-law Rebecca. A private family gathering will be held at Rushing River Provincial Park. In lieu of flowers, cards, or gifts, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society of Manitoba would be appreciated by the family. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba 204.897.4665, is in care of arrangements - wojciksfuneralchapel.com The skies are CAVU, Squadron Leader. You are cleared for take-off.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2014